U.P.Residents to Benefit from $3 Million in Erased Medical Debt Thanks to Local Fundraiser
Marquette, MI – A recent fundraising effort spearheaded by Keweenaw Indivisible and Undue Medical Debt will eliminate approximately $3 million in medical debt for residents of Michigan’s First Congressional District, including those in teh Upper Peninsula. The proclamation comes as concerns rise about potential healthcare access changes impacting thousands in the region.The initiative centers around Undue Medical Debt, a non-profit organization employing a unique strategy to alleviate the burden of medical financial hardship. The organization purchases portfolios of medical debt – often for pennies on the dollar – and then abolishes it, freeing individuals from crippling financial obligations. According to Valorie Troesch, a presenter at a recent Zoom event hosted by the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Undue Medical Debt can acquire $100 worth of debt for roughly one dollar.
The “Stronger Together” fundraiser, which concluded August 15th, raised approximately $24,000. This sum will be directly used to purchase and forgive medical debt within the first Congressional District, which encompasses the entire U.P. and portions of Northern Michigan.
Medical debt remains a notable issue nationally and within Michigan. Even wiht insurance, unexpected illnesses or injuries can lead to substantial bills, pushing individuals and families into financial distress. The problem is notably acute for those with high-deductible health plans or who are underinsured.
the timing of this debt relief effort is particularly relevant given recent federal legislation. The “Big Beautiful bill,” as former President Trump dubbed it, includes provisions that could impact Medicaid eligibility. Troesch estimates that approximately 18,000 individuals in the First Congressional District could lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.
However, House Speaker Mike johnson maintains the bill aims to strengthen safety nets for the truly vulnerable, addressing perceived abuses within the welfare system and expansions under the Affordable Care Act.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson stated the bill will “preserve those programs” intended for a limited population.
Despite differing perspectives on the legislative changes, advocates like troesch emphasize the basic injustice of medical debt. “People with medical debt did nothing wrong – they just got sick,” she stated. She urged continued advocacy and resistance to accepting potential negative impacts on healthcare access.
Individuals interested in supporting Undue Medical Debt’s mission can still donate thru their online campaign page: https://unduemedicaldebt.org/campaign/stronger-together-a-fundraiser-to-wipe-out-medical-debt-in-our-community/.
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Additional Details Not Included in Original Article:
Michigan’s First Congressional District: Specifically includes counties like alger, baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft.
Undue Medical Debt’s broader impact: The organization has abolished over $7.6 billion in medical debt across the United States as of late 2023. Keweenaw Indivisible: A local grassroots organization focused on progressive political advocacy in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Affordable Care Act (ACA): The ACA, also known as Obamacare, expanded Medicaid eligibility in many states, including Michigan, in 2014.